In Defense of the CB1100

[Red Baron_imp]

Good read and agree 100%.

At 56 years young, I have L4-5 problems and I am looking to improve my riding days. My K4 Gixxer 1K and 1988 Hurricane 1K are not being kind to my back, so this RS is the ticket for me. I was waiting for a good looking Neo-retro bike, plus I like Honda quality, reliability, fit and finish.
My days of being hunch over hugging a gas tank are over and better ergo's are in at this stage.
Only hope this bike makes it to the USA.
BTW, great forum.

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Nicely written observations and opinions. I really like the look of the RS but believe it has strayed significantly from the classic lines that attracted me to the '14 std. To my eye, it has joined the likes of the RnineT, another bike that I admire greatly, but not one I find to be classically beautiful. I find the '10 to '14 CB1100 to have timeless design while it seems the RS has become just another muscular naked bike; albeit an attractive one. I'm confident that I'd love riding the RS as much as I love riding my '14 std, but when the novelty wore off, I'd enjoy looking at the '14 more.

[redbirds_imp]

Excellently done Ulvetanna. Your reappearance on the forum was worth the wait.

[rboe]

Will have to wait for an actual ride. Before I bought the CB I test rode the Bonnie T100 and Guzzi V7. On paper the spec's had the Bonnie kicking the bum of the V7. Once ridden, the V7 had a much bigger grin factor (if a bit small for my lanky frame - I've said all this before so insert broken record smiley here).

So I'd prefer a ride and the opinions of folks that have ridden them. The spec's say one thing, let's see what the bike says.

[Cormanus]

Nice piece, Ulvetanna. You raise some interesting points. I'm with your comment that the CB1100 is a 'sports heritage' bike rather than a fully fledged sportster. Let's face it, sports bikes have evolved considerably since 1969. I can't see it appealing to the I-need-to-lean-right-forward-over-the-tank-behind-the-full-fairing-and-it-isn't-worth-riding-if-it-doesn't-make-257+hp set. Everything you say is a clear reminder that different bikes appeal to different people and there's little you can do to change their minds.

I hope the new CB1100RS is sent to the US and Australia along with the EX and some clever marketing and that it sells.

[uscgmac_imp]

I'm glad they went this direction. I would prefer inverted forks and same color side covers or maybe a retro paint scheme . I like the standard size wheels and tires and the better suspension and so on. It would be nice to get rid of the speed limiter and wake the motor up a bit. If I wanted a true 1979 CB750 I would look for one on eBay. I like retro style with technology from the year I'm actually living in.

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I don't mind the air cooled motor and the styling of it, that looks great. Someone mentioned that it looks too much like a BMW nineT . Our bike was actually in a comparison shoot out with the BMW and the griso on motorcycle.com. I love the looks of those two other bikes as well and wished they went more to that direction, now it looks as if they are.


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[rboe]

I was keen on getting an old naked Goldwing; until I bought the CB AND rode my buddies naked Wing. Ha! That experience ripped off the rose coloured glasses. This CB scratches the retro itch while offering the comfort and performance of a modern bike.

It's a nice sporty Thunderbird. It's not a Mustang or Camero. It's a very nice Standard, not a crotch rocket, designed for us old timers to ride comfortably and easily so we can remain in the wind. I'd say it is what it is and if you want more of something then you are looking at the wrong bike (or if you are fortunate, have a second or third bike that will scratch those other itches).

[Nortoon_imp]

Well written post. I'm a newbie CB owner, I'm old, fat and slow so the CB is the perfect ride for me at this stage in my life. BTDT as far as the sport bike thing goes. Had a 2012 BMW S1000RR with all the goodies. Reality check I couldn't use 10 percent of what it could do.

I experienced similar rides on a Yamaha FZ-09 before I bought my CB1100 EX. Rode all day on some of my favourite roads. The bike was light, nimble, had good torque and brakes. But I seldom got beyond 3rd gear while riding enthusiastically on the twisty roads. On the highway 6th gear was never needed. The motor is overkill for anything other than track days, wheelies and hooliganism.

The looks of the FZ are not my cup of tea. But I understand is was not made for that purpose, or my age group. Premium priced gas and poor gas mileage did not bother me either, as it was not designed as a cruiser or touring motorcycle. But am I sure the insurance premiums would have.

[Flytech99_imp]

I think riders are drawn to the CB for a variety of different reasons; however, all out sport performance is definitely (or should) not be one of them. I do believe the RS version will blur the line a bit, but no amount of looks-fast parts or trademarked acronym forks will overcome a near 550 lb curb weight and steel cradle frame. Please don't interpret that as a criticism, I'm only highlighting a reality....

To me, the CB1100 is a rock-solid, classy standard with a killer aesthetic that is truly heritage based. In America, that is a genre of motorcycle that has been lacking until the past few years. Unfortunately, that is also a market section that most people describe with terms like boring, slow, old, etc.... Not exactly encouraging for manufacturers to offer more variety to fill such a void.

I was hopeful the RS would come to the U.S. I even waited for the Kawasaki Z900RS to materialize, but in the end I had no problem deciding a used 2014 DLX was going to be just fine for me!

[Ulvetanna_imp]

I think riders are drawn to the CB for a variety of different reasons; however, all out sport performance is definitely (or should) not be one of them. I do believe the RS version will blur the line a bit, but no amount of looks-fast parts or trademarked acronym forks will overcome a near 550 lb curb weight and steel cradle frame. Please don't interpret that as a criticism, I'm only highlighting a reality....

To me, the CB1100 is a rock-solid, classy standard with a killer aesthetic that is truly heritage based. In America, that is a genre of motorcycle that has been lacking until the past few years. Unfortunately, that is also a market section that most people describe with terms like boring, slow, old, etc.... Not exactly encouraging for manufacturers to offer more variety to fill such a void.

I was hopeful the RS would come to the U.S. I even waited for the Kawasaki Z900RS to materialize, but in the end I had no problem deciding a used 2014 DLX was going to be just fine for me!

You absolutely made the right decision.